Second "U" drain?

[reepher315]

My overflow has been off lately. I built if from a DIY forum and it has ran great the past year. Lately it seems that its having trouble maintaining flow and the overflow level is just under the water level. I intend on drilling my tank once my 2 new overflows come but for now I placed a secon U drain in my current overflow box. I watched it for an hour or two and doesnt seem to be overloading the actual drain.

Any reasons my syphon would slow?

Has anyone else had to use a second U drain?

Ive considered making the pipe larger but have read that if you make the drains too large they make alot of noise (toilet sounds)?

[wildman926]

I use two siphon tubes on my overflow. Works great. Flow is just enough to keep bubbles out.

[TommyP]

Usually the siphon will slow down if the flow is reduced. Try to increase flow *if possible* from you return pump. This should push the water faster through the U Tube.

[reepher315]

Good to hear someone else i susing two. Also will be looking into a higher gph pump.

[FranktheTankTx]

How old is the plumbing on the return?

Have you ever cracked open some old return plumbing?

[leveldrummer]

The siphon will flow way more then the gravity drain can handle. Your pump should push less then your drain can handle.

Its find to use 2 u-tubes, but the flow will be split between them, and they will flow slowly, and eventually build up air pockets in the top and it could cause failure.

are your tubes clear so you can monitor if there are air pockets in them? have you cleaned the u-tube lately, have you cleaned the pump?

[sirreal63]

If I am understanding, he doesn't have a u-tube drain, it is a home made PVC type, so the problems could be numerous.